The US ambassador to the World Trade Organisation on Friday voiced optimism that an international trade liberalisation deal could be reached in 2008.

The Doha Round of talks aimed at opening up markets has floundered since its launch in 2001.

But the top US trade diplomat, Peter Allgeier, sounded upbeat that a deal could be reached by end of 2008.

“We are still concentrating on a successful round this year. I actually think that we can do it,” Allgeier said during a luncheon organised by the American International Club in Geneva.

“There are a few basic political decisions that have to be made,” he said, but added that once they were, outstanding issues could be resolved.

Addressing concerns that a change in the US presidency could scupper any deal reached under the current Bush presidency, Allgeier pointed to previous deals, including NAFTA and GATT, as evidence that new administrations could be counted on to follow through.

“If we are able to conclude the negotiations this year, it would be very difficult for any Congress to turn their backs on the agreement which has been negotiated with 150 of our very best friends,” the diplomat said.

Allgeier also brushed aside concerns that the latest 290-billion-dollar US Farm Bill, offering subsidies to farmers, contradicts trade liberalisation principles.